What is the main goal of Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care?

The main goal of Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care is to handle normal labor and deliveries. This approach aims to ensure that women experience safe childbirth and that newborns receive appropriate care immediately after birth. The focus is on providing the essential interventions that can prevent maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality during the intrapartum and immediate postpartum periods. This includes monitoring labor progress, assisting with uncomplicated deliveries, and managing immediate postpartum care for both mother and child.

While prenatal care is vital for overall maternal health, it is not the primary focus of Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care, which is specifically designed for care during labor and delivery. High-risk pregnancies require a different level of care and intervention, often involving specialized services beyond basic care. Similarly, while training new healthcare providers is important for strengthening healthcare systems, it does not encapsulate the primary goal of ensuring safe, effective handling of standard deliveries and their immediate aftermath under the Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care framework.